Liberal Democrat canditate for Hastings and Rye in 2010 and 2015 Nick Perry supports the petition because he believes Ms Rudd has gone back on her pre-election promises.

“Before the General Election the Conservatives were undermining what they called ‘Green Crap’,” he said.

“During the election I questioned Amber extensively, and she said that the climate and green industries were safe in her hands.

“Since the election we have seen her fast-track fracking, cancel the zero carbon homes programme, and forget to disclose her brother’s significant lobbying interests in the energy sector.

“This is what a real Conservative approach to the environment looks like, and how different from the last five years when the Liberal Democrats were in charge of the department.

“In my opinion, the Conservatives’ commitment to green infrastructure – a powerful regeneration tool for our area and across the country – is as strong as their City funders’ wish to pay their fair share of tax.

“I hope your readers will go online and sign the petition. Up and down the country people are now openly saying there needs to be a red light on Amber’s Green betrayals.

“Sadly, I don’t think she is up to this very important job.”

Ms Rudd told the Observer that scrapping solar power projects and promoting fracking was to cut costs.

But petitioners believe she has overstepped the mark ahead of an international conference on climate change, which is unforgiveable.